Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Rise Again From Ashes  by Independence1776 61 Review(s)
SunnyReviewed Chapter: 17 on 10/10/2010
"Something we have forgotten - empathy". Indeed. Other things that seem to have been forgotten is compassion and charity. Instead it seems that too many Elves in this story nurse and pamper old injustices and grievances, and when they die of old age and exhaustion, have them stuffed and mounted. :-(
I really like this story - it is interesting, and though I haven't reviewed it before, I certainly am following the story with interest!

Author Reply: Well, Elves have long memories. And when something tears apart their society, they aren't soon going to forgive or forget who caused that. Plus, things may lie buried until something stirs them up. I think there will always be cracks in Valinoran society, because there are no easy answers. (Aside from no one should have been killed.)

I'm glad you like this story, and I'm ecstatic you reviewed! Thank you!

MajorankaReviewed Chapter: 16 on 10/9/2010
Hi, I've just come across your story and I'm absolutely blown away. The story idea itself is great, and you did a very good job of writing it. This is one of the rare finds that are not only written well, but also fit believably in Tolkien's world. Overall I think you managed to portray both Elrond's and Maglor's characters very realistically. I know how difficult it is to write emotionally charged scenes, to strike that perfect balance between conveying the powerful emotions and avoiding mushy over-the-top moments. For me, especially the meeting with Eärendil was very well written. Maglor's reaction to seeing a Silmaril - fear - rang very true to me. Elrond is great as well and it is interesting - and sometimes funny - to see him being , in fact, the father figure to Maglor here.

If I am allowed to make just one nitpick, I feel that at times Maglor's fear of physical harm is a bit exaggerated, especially in the last chapter. In my humble opinion, he has endured too much in his life to be afraid of being beaten up - because this is, I would think, the worst thing that most people in Valinor would dare to do to him, physically. Moreover, he feels he deserves punishment, so I believe he would be too ashamed to place a condition of "do not hurt me" for meeting a friend whom he has killed (or to wish he could sic his dog on said friend) :-) However, this is just my personal view of the character and I understand that others may see him differently. I am enjoying your story very much nevertheless.

I'm really looking forward to the next chapter, and to seeing more of Valinor politics, family tensions and awkward reunions. Thank you so much for writing this.

Author Reply: Thank you so much. Your review brought a huge smile to my face. I love that you thought the meeting with Eärendil rang true-- that was the most emotionally draining scene of the story to write.

I love nitpicks and concrit! Maglor's fear, I think, is reasonable, but he also suffers from an anxiety disorder, something I never explicitly mention. However, your opinion has a lot of merit as well, so thank you for telling me. :)

Thank you for reading it! :D

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 16 on 10/7/2010
A chapter, and interaction, that manages to be humorous and sad and profound all at once. Maglor is doing very well, considering the misery that he knows he has caused - accepting forgiveness isn't always easy.

Author Reply: Thank you! No, accepting forgiveness isn't easy.

ecanReviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/27/2010
Love this chapter. Glad to see maglor finding peace. You did a great job.
can't wait for next chapters.
Ecan

Author Reply: Thank you.

RhyselleReviewed Chapter: 14 on 9/22/2010
That was an utterly breathtaking chapter.

The test of Maglor being in the same place as the Silmaril was something that I've never had the courage to explore in my own writing, but you got it so right that it made me want to cry with joy for Maglor that he has been delivered from the desire to possess it.

Earendil forgave him! I sit here trying to imagine the level of relief that Maglor must feel at this time.

Well done, my dear! Well done!

Author Reply: I'm glad you think I got it *right*. It was an incredibly emotionally draining chapter to write, and I was a bit worried it was over-the-top.

Thank you so much. You brought a huge smile to my face.

UTfrogReviewed Chapter: 14 on 9/19/2010
Still enjoying this very unusual story. Thanks

Author Reply: I'm glad you are! :D

ecanReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/12/2010
this is a great story Ive always had soft spot for maglor. ai hope you will continue this story soon.
ecan

Author Reply: Thank you!

RhyselleReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/8/2010
This chapter gave me goosebumps!

Maglor's attitude towards uncomfortable clothing made me grin, and his nerves before performing made me nod in understanding. It wasn't performing that was the problem, but performing before a potentially hostile audience.

His surprise at the reception he got was so realistic.

That's the word that keeps coming to mind as I read this story. I don't find anything of Maglor's feelings and perceptions that appear unreasonable in the situation he is in.

Redemption is not an overnight process. It's so good to see that time is being taken as Maglor, and the people around him start coming to terms with his return and residence in Valinor.

The description of the music made me want to be there, BTW...

Well done!

Author Reply: The audience certainly makes a difference!

I'm gratified that you think his actions are realistic. It's one of the difficulties writing something like this-- it's easy to go over-the-top.

No, redemption is not overnight, and nor is it easy. And it shouldn't be, especially for him.

Thank you!

Erulisse (one L)Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/8/2010
Oh....a cliffhanger. Cruel woman! This meeting will be difficult for both parties, but worse still will be Elwing should she ever deign to meet with Maglor. I am reassured that Elrond truly cares for his foster-father because, in truth, Maglor raised the twins. There are so many challenges ahead for him and I am looking forward to each additional chapter. This has been great so far, as finely wrought as one of Maglor's songs!

- Erulisse (one L)


Author Reply: Thank you so much! I can't write Elrond as uncaring or hurtful. It wouldn't fit my view of him at all. And yes, there are more challenges ahead. Again, thank you. :D

ShemyazaReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/8/2010
Many condolences on the loss of your friend. I can empathise. I have lost two close friends to cancer in the past 10 years.

I continue to enjoy your story greatly but I also how such shocking events can impact an ability to write, so take your time to grieve and write when you feel is the right time. Your readers are not going anywhere.

Hugs...

Author Reply: Thank you. And condolences in return.

Well, actually, I'm done writing RAFA. I just have the last few chapters to edit. (I'm constitutionally incapable of posting a WIP. Too many things change when I edit.) Just finding the energy and time can be hard, though it's gotten a bit easier.

*hugs in return*

First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page

Return to Chapter List